1976 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1983 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Chevrolet Caprice (145 HP) has 86 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 780 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Chevrolet Caprice is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1976 Chevrolet Caprice (332 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Chevrolet Caprice | 1983 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5000 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.9 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2560 mm |
